WiFi allows laptop computers a high-speed wireless Internet link using radio waves.
That means connecting to the Web in WiFi "hot spots" outdoors, at home, in a cafe, no plug required.
WiFi is free to hot spot visitors, and Personal Telco does not charge the hot spot cafe to set up WiFi.
But the cafe owner must buy an access point -- typically a little black box with two antennas -- for about $70 and pay roughly $25 to $55 a month (depending on the package) to an Internet service provider for the high-speed connection that makes WiFi possible.
Personal Telco suggests that businesses use providers such as Stephouse, Integra Telecom and EasyStreet that allow unlimited sharing of their Internet connection.
Comcast and Qwest, the biggies in Portland, sell high-speed Internet connections for desktop computers.
They deploy dependable, readily available armies of customer service and repair workers, offer multiple other products and can bundle Internet service with telephone (Qwest) or cable television (Comcast).
Comcast offers WiFi in homes, limiting use to five wireless devices, and will work with businesses that want WiFi.
Customers pay $29.99 a month for WiFi through cell phone provider T-Mobile in 3,400 Starbucks nationwide (also Borders Books & Music and other locations).
Click on the WiFi icon to choose a connection.
Then click on your Web browser, such as Internet Explorer, and you're online.
Steve Ciaffoni, seeking work, 47, is scanning online want ads while hanging at trendy Portland WiFi hot spots like Stumptown Coffee.
Jon Garcia, sushi server, 25, says WiFi hotspots like Vivace, 2287 N.W. Pettygrove St., give him the option to be social.